I am so excited to share with you today a blog series that I have been asked to join by Katherine of Katherine's Corner. ​This series highlights bloggers who are 50 and over. Yes, there are many of us out there in Blogland and it is with the help of Katherine of Katherine's Corner that we have all come together. She is shining the light on us each Tuesday for ten weeks. I was chosen to be in week six of the series. Each week 10 bloggers will be interviewed and featured at Katherine's Corner. On the eleventh week, we will ask Katherine herself some questions.

The Blog series is called "Between the lines". What lines are those? Well they can be looking past the blog to the actual blogger or they can be in reference to all of my lovely wrinkles, which I have earned and am proud of.

A New Beginning​

﻿Why did I start blogging at this ripe old age? After so many years of raising four kids and taking care of the household I felt that it was time to do something for me. Something that would truly inspire me and get the brain cells working again. My love of crafting and repurposing has been with me all of my life. And after seeing so many bloggers on the internet uploading all of their projects I too was itching to show off my humble attempts and more importantly to connect with like-minded people. Because let's be honest, there are not that many people willing to save junk, most would rather go shopping.

This desire went hand in hand with the ever growing economic crisis in Greece. I had spent far too many days staring glumly at the talking heads on the TV who had no answers to our problems and only compounded them by their shrill talk. I thought, why not focus on repurposing old things. My infamous basement was full of things that could be repurposed. And I also saw this as a stepping stone to a new career. Who says we can't do something different and new after 50?

Of course, I jumped into it blindly. You can read all about my first year's trials and tribulations here. I had no clue what blogging was about; after all it is a relatively new profession. And for that I am grateful. Because had I known all it entails I might not be sitting here talking to you right now. But I do love a good challenge and this for me was just that!

Making the Connections​

In the beginning, I felt like Robinson Caruso on an island. It was not "build it and they will come". But once I discovered commenting and realized that someone can actually link back to me, it was as if my eyes had opened. I really had no idea what I was up to and that hasn't changed all that much. Thank goodness for Google. We are best friends now.

I was however, fortunate to follow bloggers who were kindhearted and helpful with information and nudged me along on the right path. I have made friendships with bloggers of all ages because this beast called blogging knows no age boundaries. And surprisingly many of my friends are not in the DIY home niche. There are so many talented people out there who freely give their knowledge and wisdom on topics ranging from food to parenting, blogging and even how to build a canoe. And you can trust them because they are not selling you a product but they are giving you their experience. I only wish I had more hours in the day to read more blogs.

The Importance of Blogging ​

I have acquired many new skills some of which I did not even know existed. Social Media anyone? I also learned about chalk paint because as far as I know, it had never set foot in the boondocks before me.

My long forgotten love of photography has been reawakened and has helped me to see in a whole new way.

I see this as a stepping stone to a new career or an end in itself. I am only limited by how much work I put into it.

This is a good example for my daughters. I want them to know that they can choose to follow their passion and not feel limited. And have the confidence to move forward.

Let's not forget about the aforementioned brain cells. This is a great way to work your mind and creativity. I feel as if I have come out of hibernation.

And lastly, my home is getting a full upcycle. There is nothing like a weekly deadline to make you work on all those home projects you've been putting off ...indefinitely!

Now all of this is not new, but for me personally, someone who did not even know how to use a computer 10 years ago it is quite a giant step. I wake up each day with purpose and a twinkle in my eye (probably from dreaming about my next DIY project).

There is no limit to what you can do once you set your mind to it. We see it over and over again. And you will see it here in this remarkable Blog Series "Between the Lines". Go on over to Katherine's blog and check out our interviews. You will also find the links to all the bloggers below and a full list of the blogger series in Katherine's Corner. ​

Your blog has a way of making the reader feel like they are connecting with an old friend over a cup of coffee.

You are one of first blogs I followed when I started blogging 9 months ago. I look forward to your posts and projects every week. I am even planning a project using chalk paint! I have also rekindled my love of photography.

Reply

Mary

5/27/2016 07:02:09 pm

Krista you have bought tears to my eyes. That is the nicest compliment I have ever recieved. I am also glad to have inspired you with all these crazy projects of mine. Thank you so much Friend!

Love your story, Mary! And I agree with everything you said. There are so many of us who have experienced what I call a mid-life renewal in blogging about what we love. It's another wonderful way to sustain us and to make us thrive!

Reply

Mary

5/27/2016 07:17:42 pm

Exactly Gail, a renewal to do what we love! It certainly is not work when it's a pleaure to get up in the morning. Althought I could use less social media. I think some days facebook swallows me whole.

I'm a first time visitor to your blog and saw it at Tuesdays With a Twist. Lucky me. I enjoyed reading about your blogging beginnings. I can relate to starting a new career later on in life, as I have reinvented myself several times over the years. Keep up the good work (I'll pin this) and please visit me at my two blogs, obloggernewbie.blogspot.com and www.colors4health.com. Nancy A.

Reply

Mary

5/28/2016 05:12:08 pm

It is very nice to meet you Nancy. I am having such a great time at this stage in my life and am happy to share it with everyone. I will pop over and check out your blogs. Have a great weekend.

I'm visiting from Tuesdays With a Twist. You and I got into blogging for the same reasons! It's all about the learning process, plus you meet like-minded people from all over. We have a HUGE new project - building a new home. I don't have much time to do my creative posts lately but hope to get back to my photography and fun stuff by summer's end. Nice to meet you! I'm a new follower. Hope you'll visit me, too. Zenda

Reply

Mary

5/28/2016 05:30:01 pm

Wow Zanda that is a huge project. We started building our home over 20 years ago and it is still not finished...lol. Good luck with your home and may it turn out just the way you want it. I will be popping over to your site too.

Hi Mary---it's nice to meet you through between the lines!!
As a newer blogger also, I can totally relate to your interview question about the linkups. I was doing a ton, but it's nice when there is back & forth---isn't that what it's all about? Glad to see you feel the same way!
jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com

Reply

Mary

5/28/2016 05:35:08 pm

Hi Jodie It's taken me a while to answer your comment because I honestly did not expect such an outreach of bloggers. Of course I'm not complaining. About the parties, now that I'm on the other side it makes me want to work even harder to not make mistakes or be like the partes I didn't like. Communication is so important.

Congratulations on being featured over at Katerine's. I've been going to her parties for a long time now. You and I are in blogging for many of the same reasons. It keeps my mind going and makes me hit deadlines on projects I've started which I probably wouldn't otherwise finish. It feeds my need to fiddle with technology which was my teaching job upon retiring.

Reply

Mary

5/28/2016 05:44:52 pm

Thank you Joy. It was quite a fun experience and allowed me to write about something that I had never sat down to think about before. I'll pop over to your blog as well.

Mary, I love your blog! I'm 54 and started blogging for many of the same reasons you did. I also love that there are so many women of a certain age getting into the blogosphere. It's great to meet you!

Reply

Mary

5/28/2016 06:00:21 pm

Hi Carla, I just popped on over to your blog and it looks like it was made for me. I am trying to eat a bit healthier but the problem is that I really need to get up off this seat and away from the computer... not gonna happen!

So good to see you here at the Between The Lines series, Mary! It has been a pleasure getting to know you and watching your blog evolve (at a rapid pace, I might add). I cherish our online friendship and I'm still waiting for the day you finally arrive from that swim you've been promising.

Reply

Mary

6/1/2016 04:07:32 pm

Marie, those old bones are starting to creak. My bottom is getting bigger from sitting in front of the computer all day. I most certainly can use a good swim! Thank youfor your sweet comment.

HI Mary! We have seen each other around on G+ and I am pleased to start following your blog. I too like knowing there are like minded people out there somewhere, and I thank Katherine for pulling us all together.
:) gwingal week 5

Reply

Mary

6/1/2016 04:09:43 pm

I am really glad that Kathrine did thie Nikki. There are more of us than I could have imagined. And it pleases me to know that we are all working hard, because that is exactly what this is, let's not kid ourselves. But it is also so rewarding.

Reinvent yourself indeed. Taking what 5 decades of life has taught and passing it on. Your blog is a legacy not only for your children but all your family and new fans. Smiles, Evelyn (A fellow over 50 blogger.)

Reply

Mary

6/2/2016 02:21:13 pm

Evelyn that is such a wonderful way of looking at it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I hope in the future the family will look at it that way and not laugh. They are always laughing at me now with all my crazy escapades and how I've transformed the house.

Mary, It is so nice to meet you! I'm Nancy from Nancy On The Home Front one of the fellow bloggers in the Between the Lines series. I am also a mom of four! Loved your post and look forward to reading more about your repurposing- Nancy

Reply

Mary

6/2/2016 02:43:12 pm

It is nice to meet you too Nancy. I'm going topop on over to your blog today. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reply, I have been inundated with comments and I always like to reply to all of them. When are you being featured on Between the Lines?

See, we have said the same thing: "There is no limit to what you can do once you set your mind to it." Thanks for the intro to your blog.
I've been home remodeling myself. We had two brand new doors installed, airtight, so now no snakes can come inside! (It's an old farm house.) The first thing I told my husband "don't get rid of those old doors!"

Reply

Mary

6/2/2016 02:54:29 pm

Kim don't talk to me about snakes. I have a lifelong fear of them. Of course if we follow our motto, maybe I can try to over come this one day. Thanks for stopping by.

Congratulations on being featured at Katherine's blog, she has such a lovely blog and is so sweet! She was one of the first bloggers ever to reach out to me and asked me to join her link party. You are so right that the blogging world is full of helpful people.

Reply

Mary

6/2/2016 02:59:22 pm

Michele, I can repeat that till I turn blue in the face or as we greeks say " till my tonge gets full of hair" (where do we come up with these). I was bowled over by the amount of support I have recieved and have learned how to run this blog from the community because if I was left to my own devices things would be scary.

Katie's Between The Lines series was a brilliant idea and I'm so pleased to have connected with you as result. I had hope to cover some DIY stuff on my blog but have not had the time. Maybe your blog will stir my creative juices.

Rena
www.finewhateverblog.com

Reply

Mary

6/2/2016 03:48:18 pm

I certainly hope so Rena. There are so many things we can do if we just put our minds to it. I am living proof of that a year ago I would not have attempted most of the projects I do today. It is by sheer will and deadline that I do them. Some are epic fails, but so what, I get up and try again.

Mary, You have so much to be proud of. Your blog is a delight to read and your personality shines through every post! (Would that be my own Mr. Hobby's canoe you mentioned?) *wink* I agree, there are so many wonderful ladies of all ages and stages of life blogging about so many things. I learn something new every day! Thanks for sharing [you].
~Laurie

Reply

Mary

6/3/2016 01:34:03 pm

That's exactly how I feel too Laurie. I learn something new every day. It's as if I woke up from a deep sleep and the brain cells are getting a workout. Thank you for your wonderful comment. It means so much to me you hear you say that my personality shines through. I want this to be a place where friends gather together to share. And yes, that is your canoe I mentioned.:)

Loved reading this, Mary. It's always so interesting to know why people started blogging, none of us knew when we started out what an amazing world we were entering - I actually don't know what I used to think about before we started - it certainly wakes up those grey cells!

Reply

Mary

6/3/2016 01:35:58 pm

Yes, those grey cells are certainly getting a work out. Trying to figure out how to run a blog.. not easy in the least, and yet here we are! Thank you for your sweet words Sarah!

I'm so happy you started blogging Mary! Most of the reasons why you did so where my reasons too! You are doing a great job and you've given a lot of heart and soul into this blog! Keep repurposing and blogging please!

Reply

Mary

6/3/2016 01:37:22 pm

Aww thank you Sweet Ntina! I know that the crisis has taken it's toll on us and so we can try to see it as an opportunity instead of letting it get us down.Thank you for your kind words.

What a fantastic post! I am so very happy you participated in the series. I look forward to many more visits to your blog xo

Reply

Mary

6/3/2016 01:39:39 pm

Kathrine, you deserve all the credit for this. You have taken on this humongous task of getting so many of us together and organizing this amazing and very informative series. I am so surprised t at there are so many of us. It is a wonderful way to connect with like-minded ladies. Thank you!

Mary, how wonderful that you live in Greece (problems and all notwithstanding)! Hubby and I are in the process of planning a trip there for the near future... :-) Your post so resonated with me, especially this: "had I known all it entails I might not be sitting here talking to you right now". So true, and yet so worth it in the end! Very glad to have met you through Katherine's series!!

Reply

Mary

6/3/2016 01:42:12 pm

Yes, Lory I seem to be speaking many truths lately. It is hard work but so rewarding. You feel like you are accomplishing something worthwhile and not just staring at the tv all day. Here in Greece things are only getting worst. But the sun and sea still shine bright and give us hope. Thank you for visiting and leaving such a heartfelt comment.

Mary, Am I happy that you decided to start a blog! I remember the first time I visited you! I really loved reading this post and find out more about you and your way to get into blogging and your photography is so beautiful, I enjoy it a lot!

Reply

Mary

6/3/2016 06:57:18 pm

Aww thank you so much my dear friend. And I will never forget that you were the one who gave me my first award. As hard as it may be it is still so rewarding and I never would have met you otherwise.

Hi Mary, and you don't look a day over twenty one! You've given it away now! I like the way that blogging is basically the same for all of us, no matter how old we are or what we blog about.

Two years ago when I started blogging I had no idea what it was all about, and it's been a learning curve that's for sure, but once I realised that it's pretty much the same for all bloggers I embraced it and have enjoyed learning as I've gone along.

I can't speak highly enough of the fantastic blogging community and how they are willing to help when asked. Blogging has changed my whole way of thinking and taught me 'skills' I would never have learned otherwise.

We should never stop learning and we are never too old to learn. When it comes to blogging (and life) age is just a number. And may you never run out of things to repurpose or up-cycle!

xx

Reply

Mary

6/3/2016 07:09:15 pm

Very wise words indeed Debbie. It is the same for all of us and we need to remind each other of this so that we don't get discouraged when the times get tough or Facebook changes it's algorithm. And who else can understand our rants about automated twitter messages?

Love this idea for a series! Blogging is such a fabulous way to make some great connections with like minded people all over the world! I always enjoy reading about your latest project and seeing pictures of your beautiful country, Mary!

Reply

Mary

6/3/2016 07:14:24 pm

Thank you so much Celeste. And I also love to visit your blog with all of your great tips on how to do things. I admit I used to be very neat, but after all these kids I've become a bit disorganizeed and I like how you help me to get my act together. Thanks for your continued support.sweet friend.

Very nice post Mary, I have enjoyed reading, how you started your blog etc. You are right we make so many friends in this journey of blogging.
I will go and read Catherine's corner.

Reply

Mary

6/3/2016 07:32:15 pm

It is such a wonderful journey full of surprises especially every time I go over to the webmaster. There is always something wrong. But it is always full of wonderful people along the way. Thank you Sadhna.

Congratulations Mary on being featured at Kathrines Corner! You have come a long way in your short time of blogging. I love your points for "The Importants of Blogging". I never really thought of it that way but I to didn't start blogging till I was in my 50's, and it was all new to me learning new things. I learned things on the computer that amazed me. Now the photography I'm still not into, but your photos are gorgeous. I love seeing what you pull out of your never ending basement next and the finished item. I am happy to have crossed paths with you in the blog world and to call you friend. 😊

Reply

Mary

6/3/2016 07:35:37 pm

Thank you so much for your sweet comment Linda. It just goes to show that you can teach an old dog new tr icks. I am learning every day, as I'm sure all of us are or we wouldn't be able to survive in this crazy place called the blogsphere.

Mary, I love to hear everybody's blogging story! We all came to it in different ways but it becomes very important to each of us. The bonus for your readers is that we get peeks of Greece along with your fantastic ideas.

Happy Thoughts of Home. :)

Reply

Mary

6/3/2016 07:38:20 pm

We all come her for different reasons and yet we are all so alike in our quest for facebook knowledge and seo. I love reading all the posts too, and I get to learn so much that would not have concerned me before. Thank you for your sweet comment Stacey.

I love your "Importance of Blogging" list! I also feel like it has given me a home for my photography! I love how you said each week is a deadline to upscale your home! I need to definitely be better about that! I also find that blogging helps "round out" my ideas.

Reply

Mary

6/3/2016 08:00:15 pm

For me Gigi it has been a chance to reawaken a love that was long forgotten. And now it is so much easier to take photos than in the prehistoric days with film. Thank you for dropping by. I clicked on your name but could not reach your blog. If you see this just drop me a line with your blog name and I'll come over for a visit.

Mary, I really enjoyed reading your story. We have so much in common! :D I've been admiring your lovely photos for a while now, but feel dense that I missed the Greece connection?!! (In my defense, your cover photo does also resemble the Smokey Mountains, which some would call the Boondocks.) :D Thanks for sharing!

Reply

Mary

6/3/2016 08:09:42 pm

You are absolutely right Cynthia. I live near the beach but there are plenty of mountains outside my window so I get to have the best of both worlds. Thank you for stopping by and for your sweet comment.

It's so true there is no limit to what we can do. So glad to meet you. I blogged about being WAY over fifty a week or two ago.

Reply

Mary

6/3/2016 08:12:48 pm

I like to think that we are young a heart. Otherwise we would not go near a computer and deal with all that social media. I tried to reach your blog but the link would not take me there. Perhaps you could sent me a reply with your blog name so that I may visit you.

We have been blogging about the same time Mary and I loved reading your journey. I think Between the Lines has been a fabulous opportunity for us to showcase who we are. Thanks for sharing with us at Over the Moon.

Reply

Mary

6/3/2016 08:23:11 pm

We are so lucky to have Katherine who was able to pull this series together. I can only imagine the work she is putting into it Sue.

I am so moved by your thoughts in this post! I hope that there are many more women like you out there! I am glad you turned off the TV News and started blogging so I can read you and get inspired!

Reply

Mary

6/3/2016 08:26:28 pm

Thank you sweete Katerina. You know what I am talking about when I say turn off the tv. That thing was really making me depressed. And yes the News was the worst. I am so, so much happier now. And I can also get inspiration from you too.

I am certainly happy that you found blogging, Mary! You are an inspiration, and I love learning about and seeing Greece through your eyes (even in this difficult time). Your projects give me motivation to create from what I have even if it's not quite as gorgeous or ambitious as your projects. LOL! Thank you so much for sharing with #UpsyDaisyLinkup!

Reply

Mary

6/3/2016 08:32:26 pm

So am I Regina it was as if I crawled out of a hole. I am so full of inspiration and get so much back from all of you wonderful ladies. It is more than I ever expected.

I for one am happy that you jumped in! I agree though, if I would have known I wouldn't be blogging either! The friendships that I've made are the best part, and sharing our blogging successes and woes with each other is the best. Others just don't understand. How could they?

I am so happy that you have taken photography back up, I love seeing your photos, Greece is such a gorgeous place, I'm not sure that I will ever get there myself, and your photos let me vicariously visit!

You are the queen of repurposing, I love that, I look at things differently now, because of you, I don't throw anything out unless I first ask myself "What would Mary do?"

Reply

Mary

6/3/2016 08:36:47 pm

You are so, so right Nikki. Others really do not understand. They look at us as if we are crazy. And it is so comforting to be able to share all of these things with my tribes because real friends don't get us at all. I even have people asking me all the time what blogging is or why do I do it...etc. I am so glad to have met you.

I started like you, totally blind and alone on the island. It didn't take long to fall in love with my new hobby though, I loved learning a new skill and relating to people my own age, too. I thought bloggers were all thirty something, it was a relief to find out I was not alone!!

Reply

Mary

6/10/2016 06:18:16 pm

So true Kim. Being able to communicate with like minded people. Because let's face it, non-bloggers do not get us at all. They think we are playing on the computer all day. And don't you just love that 50 something blogger group?

Mary, Greece seems like a lovely place to live! I have always wanted to visit, and hope to make it there one day. Visiting today from Between the Lines (fellow BTL blogger here :) ). I love your list of reasons to blog, and I agree with every one of them! It is so nice to "meet" you!

Reply

Mary

6/10/2016 06:22:29 pm

It is very nice to meet you too Wendy. I am left with my mouth opened at the reception this post has gotten. There are so many of us who blog and we have so much to offer. It makes me so happy to know that I'm not in the minority at all. Thank you for taking the time to drop by.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.

Leave a Reply.

Welcome

I'm Mary and I live in beautiful Greece where I like to repurpose and upcycle anything that is old or looks like junk. Join me as we use our creativity to spark some life into old things. And do it frugally! You will also see lots of photography of my Greece.